Lauterbrunnen is a small unspoilt village in Switzerland nestled between the towering walls of a sheer-sided valley that is famed for its waterfalls.The river Weisse Lütschine flows through Lauterbrunnen and overflows its banks about once a year. The source of the river comes from melting snow high in the mountains, thus making it a very pure and clean source of water. It is common practice in the camp sites to chill drinks in the water.
Lauterbrunnen lies at the bottom of a hanging or U-shaped valley that extends south and then south-westwards from the village to meet the 8 kilometers (5 mi) Lauterbrunnen Wall. The valley of Lauterbrunnen (Lauterbrunnental) is one of the deepest in the Alpine chain when compared with the height of the mountains that rise directly on either side. It is a true cleft, rarely more than one kilometre in width, between limestones precipices, sometimes quite perpendicular, everywhere of extreme steepness. It is to this form of the valley that it owes the numerous waterfalls from which it derives its name. The streams descending from the adjoining mountains, on reaching the verge of the rocky walls of the valley, form cascades so high that they are almost lost in spray before they reach the level of the valley.
PLACE TO VISIT
Staubbach Falls - Can be seen from the center of town.
Trümmelbach Falls - 3 km behind Lauterbrunnen are the famous Trümmelbach glacier water falls . Bus from Lauterbrunnen for Sfr3. Open April-November. Entrance fee Sfr12 (US dollars, pounds, and euros accepted).
The Lauterbrunnen area is very famous for mountainbiking. Rent an Interlaken bike and ride to the end of the valley the place calls Stechelberg. For sFR.20.- take your bike in the gondula up to Mürren. From Mürren follow the red bike trail signs to Winteregg. Its a easy trail for everybody not much up hill! From Winteregg enjoy a fast downhill to Isenfluh or back to Lauterbrunnen. This tour can also easy be started in Interlaken: it's only 45 minutes more biking and the round trip from Interlaken needs 3-5 hours. Get your great quality bike maps and all information at rental places in Interlaken.
Hike up to Wengwald by walking up the trail starting beside the townhall. Cross the river and follow the signs to Wengen until you see a sign pointing towards Wengwald. Hike up this way until you get great views of the Lauterbrunnen valley. Takes only 1.5-2 hours if going slowly.
HOW TO REACH
By narrow-gauge train from Interlaken Ost station. Eurail and Inter-Rail pass holders should be aware that these passes are not valid for this journey. Holders of Swiss Pass travel free.
